How to hide the app on your Xiaomi phone: all the ways from simple to advanced

Hiding apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones is a challenge that users face for a variety of reasons, from wanting to remove unnecessary system utilities from view to having to hide personal information from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where functionality is limited, the shell is a slate. MIUI It offers several built-in and third-party solutions, but not all of them are equally effective: some methods only work on certain versions of the firmware, others require a certain version of the firmware. ROOT-The other two may cause system failures.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to hide applications on Xiaomi, from standard MIUI 14/15 tools to advanced techniques using ADB and custom launchers. We will focus on the nuances of why some applications are not hidden, how to circumvent the restrictions on models with HyperOS, and what to do if after hiding the program stopped updating, and you will learn which methods leave a mark on the system (and they can be detected), and which make the application truly invisible.

We warn you that some of the methods require technical training, and if you are a beginner, start with the first two sections, which will work for most users without the risk of damaging the system.

1. Built-in "Hidden Applications" function in MIUI

The easiest and safest way is to use the standard MIUI shell tool. It is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices (except for models with HyperOS, where the logic of the work has changed). The function does not remove the application, but only removes its icon from the home screen and from the menu of all programs, leaving access through search or settings.

To hide the app:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Application Management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide Apps.
4. Tick the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Hidden applications in this way will still be displayed in the:

• 🔍 Search by system (swipe down on the main screen).
• 📊 List of running processes in task manager.
• 🔧 Account settings (if the application is linked to Mi Account).

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If a hidden application needs to be launched, find it through a system search (swipe down on the home screen) or type the name into the search bar in Settings → Apps.

This method is suitable for temporary hiding of unnecessary utilities (for example, Mi Pay, Mi Video or Games), but does not provide complete privacy.

2.Use of the function "Second space" (Dual Apps)

The “Second Space” (or Dual Apps) feature is originally designed to clone messengers (for example, to use two WhatsApp accounts at once), but it can be adapted to hide applications: transfer the desired program to the second space, and then disable the display of the second desktop.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a second space (you will need to create a password).
3. In the main space, open Settings → Applications, find the desired application and tap Clone into the second space.
4. Return to Settings → Special Options → Second Space and turn off the second desktop display (Show icon option).

Now the app will only be available after you enter the second space password.

• 🔄 The app will be duplicated (the original will remain in the main space).
• 📱 Takes up extra space in memory.
• 🔒 The second space password can be reset via Mi Account if the phone is linked to the account.

3. Hiding through system settings (only for MIUI 12 and older)

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has been able to hide system apps through the Settings → About menu, which doesn’t work on all models, but can be useful for removing icons like Mi Community, Security or Cleaner.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the line MIUI version until the message appears You became a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
4. Activate the option to Show hidden apps (if any).
5. Now in Settings → Applications, some system programs will have the option to Hide.

⚠️ Note: This method may cause some features to fail (e.g., disabling Security will deprive you of virus protection). MIUI Hidden applications may reappear.

4. Hiding by a third-party launcher (without ROOT)

If the built-in methods don’t work, you can install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Microsoft Launcher) that supports hiding applications, which doesn’t remove programs from the system, but makes them invisible in the interface.

How to hide the app through Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the free space on the home screen and select Nova Settings.
3. Go to the Apps menu → Hide the Apps.
4. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No, he doesn't. ROOT-rights.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI HyperOS.
• ✅ You can hide both user and system applications.

Disadvantages:

• 🔍 Applications remain in the list of all programs (available through search).
• 📱 The launcher consumes additional RAM.

Install Nova Launcher from official source | Make backup of current launcher | Check compatibility with Android | Disable battery optimization for launcher-->

5. Complete removal of system applications via ADB (for advanced)

If you need to not just hide, but completely remove the system application (for example, Mi Browser, Music or Yellow Pages), you can use the ADB command. This method requires connecting the phone to the computer and basic knowledge of working with the console.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may result in:

• 🚨 Unstable phone operation (e.g., deleting Security will turn off the fingerprint scanner).
• 🔄 Impossibility of updating MIUI (The system will make errors).
• 🔧 Loss of warranty (if the phone is warranty, it is better to use other methods).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer (you can download from the official website of Android Developers).
2. Activate USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 taps → For developers → USB Debugging).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
4. To uninstall the application, type: adb shell pm uninstall-k --user 0 name.package (for example, for Mi Browser it is com.android.browser).

List of packages of popular system applications Xiaomi:

To return the application, use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

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Removal through ADB demand ROOT-right, but only valid for the current user. MIUI Applications may return.

6. Hiding by means of ROOT-rights (maximum confidentiality)

If you need to completely hide the application so that it can not be found even through search or ADB, will be required ROOT-This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the loader and installing a custom Recovery (for example, a custom recap, TWRP).

What can be done with ROOT:

• 🗃️ Move the application to a secure folder (for example, using App Hider or Hide App-Hide Application Icon).
• 🔒 Block access to the application with a password (via XPrivacyLua).
• 🗑️ Remove all traces of the application (including cache and data) with Root Explorer.

⚠️ Attention: Receipt ROOT-Xiaomi has a risk of a risk:

• 📵 Loss of warranty (official service centers will refuse repairs).
• 🔐 Vulnerability to viruses (ROOT Opens access to system files).
• 📱 Impossibility of air renewal (OTA) (You will have to install the firmware manually).

If you decide to take this step, use proven tools:

• 🛠️ Magisk - for management ROOT-rights.
• 🗂️ Titanium Backup – for backup and removal of system applications.
• 🔍 SD Maid – to clean up traces of remote programs.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways:

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 If you just need to remove the icon from the screen → Use a built-in cover or launcher.
• 🔒 If confidentiality is important → second space ROOT-method.
• 🗑️ If you want to completely remove unnecessary system software → ADB (cautiously!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding apps on Xiaomi